Ohio State wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. is unquestionably one of the best college football players in 2023, and he reminded everyone of that Saturday with a jaw-dropping, explosive play against Western Kentucky.
The Hilltoppers scored a touchdown nearly midway through the second quarter to shrink the Buckeyes’ lead to 14-10, but it didn’t take long for a response. On the first play of Ohio State’s subsequent drive, quarterback Kyle McCord launched a deep shot to Harrison, who ran it into the end zone for a speedy answer and a 21-10 lead with the extra point.
Though McCord deserves credit for the huge pass, Harrison basically embarrassed two Western Kentucky defenders with his wheels.
While McCord and the offensive line bought a little time after the snap, the junior wide receiver took off downfield, splitting coverage from two defensive backs. And the defender who tried to keep up really didn’t stand a chance against his speed, and by the time the ball was in Harrison’s vicinity, he was wide open.
MARVIN HARRISON JR. 🌰🙌
There's just no catching the @OhioStateFB WR ⚡️ pic.twitter.com/M1kkQa9sA7
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) September 16, 2023
To be fair, it’s a serious challenge for anyone to keep up with Harrison, who reportedly hit 22 miles per hour last week against Youngstown State.
Harrison is an electric player, and college football fans, including LeBron James, were in total awe of his speed on this 75-yard touchdown.
MARVIN HARRISON JR!!!!! ✌🏾 for TD!! SO 🥶🥶🥶🥶
— LeBron James (@KingJames) September 16, 2023
Look at that separation 😂 https://t.co/PDwVdgRB24
— DaWindyCity Productions (@dwcprodz) September 16, 2023
MARVIN HARRISON!!!! pic.twitter.com/zNyA40SyqK
— JPAFootball (@jasrifootball) September 16, 2023
MAR. VIN. HARRISON. JR. WOW.
— TorresOnTheBuckeyes (@TorresOnOhioSt) September 16, 2023
NOBODY WAS CATCHING MARVIN HARRISON JR.‼️💨
(via @CFBONFOX)pic.twitter.com/tnuYYCy6lV
— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) September 16, 2023
WKU’s two DBs guarding Harrison didn’t even touch him. https://t.co/Hy85f5PZHl
— Bryan Fischer (@BryanDFischer) September 16, 2023
Marvin Harrison just blew by the WKU secondary like a sprinter hitting the tape at the end of a race.
— Tom Fornelli (@TomFornelli) September 16, 2023
😮💨 Space for days! https://t.co/ZJk0iYrvzH
— Just🥶Acy🥶Dawg™️ (@Just_Acy) September 16, 2023
we're going to ruin your life brother https://t.co/QuNDzJK0Hd
— will (@AKC1699) September 16, 2023
The only rule the defense has is don't let Marvin Harrison, Jr. behind you.
And then it let MHJ behind it. pic.twitter.com/xZ7A5Zz5ls
— RJ Young (@RJ_Young) September 16, 2023
Fast, freakish balance, freakish athleticism, just a freak. https://t.co/goDfazLISa
— JJ (@W0lves_JJ) September 16, 2023
Can't guard Marv https://t.co/4ejMiWxQhM
— Nick Schultz (@NickSchultz_7) September 16, 2023
MARVIN HARRISON JR. IS FAST pic.twitter.com/VfkyXLiSPc
— Footballism (@FootbaIIism) September 16, 2023
apply Marvin Harrison Jr to problem, repeat
— BUM CHILLUPS AKA SPENCER HALL (@edsbs) September 16, 2023
Marvin Harrison Jr. sheesh 💨
— Dylan Powell (@PowellAnalytics) September 16, 2023
Marvin Harrison with a deeeep TD, unstoppable! 🔥pic.twitter.com/Ekky7ZDg9ghttps://t.co/vQZHOWkrRw
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) September 16, 2023